Do not combine without physician supervision. If you are already taking both Kava and Sedatives, contact your healthcare provider today. Do not stop any medication without professional guidance.
Kava × Sedatives
CRITICAL
Well-Established Evidence
Mechanism
Kava potentiates GABA-A receptor activity, additive with benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants.
Effect
Severe CNS depression; excessive sedation; coma risk
Management
Avoid combination. Kava + benzodiazepines has caused semi-comatose states.
Plain Language Summary
AI-generated · Qwen 3.6 · grounded in 2 sources · methodologyThis combination is dangerous. Kava can significantly increase the effects of sedatives, which may lead to extreme sleepiness or even a coma.
Source
Almeida JC et al. Ann Intern Med 2002; Chen X et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2015
Research
Supporting Research
Kava in generalized anxiety disorder: three placebo-controlled trials
PMID:16877894
2006
Explanatory attributions of anxiety and recovery in a study of kava
PMID:15253862
2004
Kava-Kava administration reduces anxiety in perimenopausal women
PMID:12590005
2003
Kava treatment in patients with anxiety
PMID:15162364
2004
Efficacy of kava-kava in the treatment of non-psychotic anxiety, following pretreatment with benzodiazepines
PMID:11605083
2001
Medical Disclaimer: This interaction record is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining any supplement with prescription medications.